Mike Jackson and family
Mike Jackson
Mike is one of a large family, consisting of father, mother, brothers Joe W., Frank, Reggie (all adult) and Bob (18), and sisters Marjory, Phyllis (14), Ella and Gladys Maud Evangeline (age 3). They live at Crofton in Shropshire, near Brindleford. Bridgenorth is only a few miles away.
He was educated at King-Hall's*, a preparatory school in Emsworth, Wrykyn College (from the age of nearly 15), Sedleigh and Cambridge.
The family is obsessed by cricket, with Mr Jackson hiring a cricket professional, Saunders, to coach them each summer. As a result, all the boys play a good game with the three eldest playing for counties. Mike is particularly gifted as is seen from his performances with Wrykyn. (Mike at Wrykyn)
At Sedleigh he met Psmith where they became great friends. Due to disappointments at moving schools, neither played much cricket while at Sedleigh. (Mike and Psmith)
During one summer, Mike was sent to work in the New Asiatic Bank after his father suffered a drop in income. He lodged with Psmith. After nearly a year, Psmith came to his rescue. (Psmith in the City)
While at Cambridge with Psmith, Mike went on a cricket tour with the MCC to New York. (Psmith Journalist)
He later worked as the (land) agent for the (P)Smith family until Mr Smith died and the estate was broken up; the new owners did not want Mike's services. He then worked as a schoolmaster but wanted to buy a farm. Again, Psmith to the rescue. (Leave it to Psmith book only)
Phyllis Jackson
The step-daughter of Joe Keeble, she married Mike against the wishes of Joe's wife, Lady Constance (who'd lined up the unsuitable Rollo Mountford). They live at 18 Wallingford St, West Kensington. Phyllis went to school at Wayland House. She is described as small and fragile, with great brown eyes under a cloud of dark hair. Most people who know her want to pet her. (Leave it to Psmith)
In the play version, she is not married to Mike (who does not exist) but is single and in love with Freddie Bosham. (Leave it to Psmith (play))
Mr Jackson
Mike's father. Sticks to his word. Very keen on cricket. Lost much of his money in an unspecified way, forcing him to send two of his sons out to work and move to a smaller property. (Mike at Wrykyn and Mike and Psmith)
Marjory Jackson
Marjory is an outspoken girl and, although it is an effort, corresponds with Mike while he is at school. (Mike at Wrykyn and Mike and Psmith)
Bob Jackson
Plays for Surrey CC. Lured Mike away from the bank to play Middlesex at Lord's in Psmith in the City.
Books/Stories
Mike at Wrykyn - novel
Mike and Psmith - novel
Psmith in the City - novel
Psmith Journalist - novel
Leave it to Psmith - novel
Leave it to Psmith - play
* The King-Hall's ran Emsworth House school where Wodehouse helped out with school plays for some years, eventually renting and buying a cottage in the town. Mr Jackson's loss of money and not being able to send Mike to University also mirrors PG's own life.
There is a model for the Jackson family's cricketing prowess. The seven Foster brothers were all educated at Malvern College (probably the model for Wrykyn) and played for Worcestershire county, six played for the MCC and one for England.
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